and how to remove rogue security programs from your PC
This webpage was setup to help people remove these fake alert trojans and their associated rogueware security programs.
"Your System is Infected" - A Quick Guide to Terrifying Error Messages
It's a frightening prospect, isn't it? The idea that your computer system might be compromised by a pest that you're not even sure of is terrifying. After all, much of our lives today are focused around our computers, and the thought of infection changes everything. It could not only truly hurt your level of security, but it could also change your level of productivity, a real issue if much of your work is stored on your computer. The biggest problem with getting a message like this, however, is that often times, they're not authentic. In most cases, they're simply a scare tactic employed by various rogue security programs to help encourage you to purchase the full version of some software of questionable origins and effectiveness.
Understanding Rogue Security Software
Rogue security programs, also known as rogue antivirus software or rogue antispyware software, are those that use questionable tactics in an attempt to get you to purchase the program. They're spread in a variety of different ways, but once it's installed, it has the ability to create security holes in your system that allow other programs to leak through, so it's a good idea to remove them as soon as possible. They pose as real security software, but they simply don't have the tools or code necessary to truly provide security for your computer.
Example System Tray Balloon Pop-up False Alerts
Programs That May Produce These Error Messages
There are a number of different programs that may produce error messages with a headline that includes "Your System is Infected." Here's a brief overview of a few of them.
AWM Antivirus: If you're familiar with A-Fast Antivirus, you're also familiar with this program, as the two are clones of each other. Spread entirely by Trojans, it lodges itself in your computer's registry and proves troublesome to remove using the easiest messages. It can also block your access to legitimate programs on your computer. This program functions like many other rogue security programs that have a scanner involved. As soon as you start your computer, the scan itself will begin, and you'll be told you have a number of infections that must be removed immediately. Clicking anywhere within the scan window will take you directly to a site where you can buy the program. In addition to the scanner, though, error messages in the form of pop up ads or notification balloons. One of the error messages you may see associated with this program reads:
Your system is infected! Windows detected spyware infection!
It is recommended to use special antispyware tools to prevent dataloss. Windows will now download and install the most up-to-date antispyware for you.
In addition to that, however, you may also see error messages that read
Critical System Warning!
Your system is probably infected with a version of Trojan-Spy.HTML.Visafraud.a. This may result in website access passwords being stolen from Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Outlook etc. Click Yes to scan and remove threats (recommended).
AND
System warning!
Intercepting programs that may compromise your privacy and harm your system have been detected on your PC. It's highly recommended you scan your PC right now.
Example Your System Is Infected With Dangerous Virus False Alert
Bredolab: Trojans are often a problem for computer users, and this one is certainly no exception. Spread primarily when you visit an untrustworthy website or you open an email attachment that you shouldn't, it can prove a security nightmare. Unfortunately, the emails it is associated with are often very authentic. In some cases, they may refer to an online order you placed and ask you to open the attachment to confirm shipping details. In other cases, they'll suggest your Facebook password has changed or needs to be changed. No matter what the text of the email reads, however, clicking on it has the ability to open a security hole, which could mean additional malware on your system. With this program, you may see some system scans, but you may also see add-on toolbars with your internet browser as well as a variety of different pop up advertisements whether you're on or offline.
The wallpaper on your desktop may also shift. It will read:
Your System is Infected!
System has been stopped due to a serious malfunction.
Spyware activity has been detected.
It is recommended to use spyware removal tool to prevent data loss.
Do not use the computer before all spyware removed.
Example "Your System Is Infected" Wallpaper Message
Personal Anti Malware: As with many other programs, this one uses a Trojan to install itself on your computer. It's related to Antivirus '09, and as with many other programs, you'll see a system scan as soon as your computer starts each day. It doesn't actually install any files to find, it just labels some of the files that are already on your computer as a threat to your safety. Additionally, it can display fake system security information outside of the scanner, which looks eerily similar to your Windows Security Screen. It also resembles the well-known Vipre Antivirus program to help establish legitimacy.
One of the error messages you may see with this program is:
Personal Anti Malware
Your system is infected with a version of Spy-1840.
This malicious program is a Trojan.
It infected capinfos.exe.
This Trojan attempts to steal and corrupt your private information.
Click here to save your private information!
AVCare: Sometimes called AntivirusCare, this program makes use of the Vundo Trojan to install itself on your machine. It, too, comes with an onboard scanner that will list a number of different security alerts and concerns. Additionally, it uses the commonly known Windows Defender Shield as a logo to help make it look a bit more legitimate. Like all of the others, you will see pop up error messages with this program. Here is the most common:
Your system is infected!
Continue to use your PC without antivirus protection may cause
major failures of your system such as
* system slowdown and crashes
* unauthorized access to your private data
* loss of important documents and files
* exploitation of your computer by spyware programs
Please activate antivirus protection or confirm you agree these risks on you
sole decision by ignoring the warning.
You may also see messages that say:
Remote Attack Alert!
Unknown host tries to establish connection to your PC using restricted ports. This may be internet virus or other type of malicious or spyware program. If antivirus protection is disabled your computer remains vulnerable to different types of network attacks such as
OR
Your system is infected!
AVCare detected 10 system security threats on your PC. Detected malicious programs can damage your PC and compromise your privacy. It is strongly recommended to remove these threats immediately.
Keep in mind that there are no tell-tale signs to help you decide whether you're seeing an actual error message or something from a rogue security program. In some cases, you might notice some typos in the message or misspellings, but that's not always the issue because often these messages look incredibly authentic.
No matter what program you actually have installed, clicking on any of these error messages will take you to a download and purchase page for the program itself, and choosing to go through with this transaction puts your financial data and your entire computer system at risk.
Removing the Problem
If you do see these error messages, or any of the associated problems, your best bet is to remove the associated program immediately. There are two main ways you can do this. The first is to handle manual removal on your own. That usually involves deleting program files and erasing registry entries. If you haven't done that before, however, it's probably not a good idea, as it could actually endanger your system further.
The second options, and perhaps the better of the two, is to install a good antispyware solution. There are many reputable software manufacturers that design entire security suites to help you deal with these kinds of programs. Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware 2.0 is a good choice. Whether you choose this one or another program entirely, you'll need to download it, install it, then update it. The final step is to allow it to scan your machine. It should immediately pick up the program that's causing you so much trouble, and eliminate it from your computer.
Scan your system with Anti-Malware 2.0 removing all detected infections.
Reboot your PC
Scan your system again to ensure the removal process is complete.
Error messages like these are often very scary, but with a bit of ingenuity and research, you can figure out what program is causing you so many problems, and delete it from your computer. To help reduce the chances of future infections from malicious programs such as these keep your computer up-to-date with the latest Windows security updates.
If you have any questions or need more help please feel free to contact us.
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The owner of this website is NOT affiliated with and does NOT endorse AVcare, AntivirusCare, AWM Antivirus, Personal Anti Malware or any other rogueware program.
